Chotkar Patyr by unknown artist

March 13, 2021

Chotkar Patyr by unknown artist

"Chotkar was very kind and friendly to the poor people, he was merciless to the corrupt rich people. He was as wise as a hundred old men.

Chotkar loved his Mari people, and the people loved him with their fatherly love. And he did not give free rein to the rich, and they, holding their grudge, bided their time to take revenge on the favorite of the people.

It was a long time ago. The Russians had not yet built cities near us along the Volga, and the militant Tatars lived in the steppes, grazing their cattle. The Tatar khans often attacked the Mari villages.

Chotkar Patyr learned about it. He gathered the people of his forest land and went to war against the Tatar khans. He freed all the lands captured by the enemy and drove the khans far into the steppe.

The Tatar governors, taught a lesson by the army of the hero Chotkar, stopped attacking the Mari lands.
Once the disturbing news spread that Chotkar Patyr fell ill. People from all parts of the forest area gathered to him.

- Dear ones! Chotkar said. - I have lived for a long time. It's time to die. Bury me on a high hill near your beloved Ileta.

The people were sad and crying. It was scary to part with the glorious hero Chotkar. But Chotkar reassured them.

- Do not be sad, my dear children. If it is hard for you, come to my hill and shout loudly: “Chotkar, Chotkar! Enemies are pressing us! “I will stand up and help drive them away. But remember: you must call me at the most difficult hour, when you see that you yourself cannot defeat the enemy. And put my sword and shield with me.

Chotkar Patyr died. He lay as if alive among the forest flowers. He was placed in an oak coffin and buried on a hill between the villages of Nurmuchash and Usola."

-The legend of Chotkar Patyr